V8SDS: Drew Russell Bathurst weekend summary

Drew Russell slices his way through the field
Novocastrian Motorsport's Drew Russell has driven perfectly to work his
way up from a qualifying position of 25th to finish the round 14th
position outright in this weekend's Fujitsu V8 Supercar...

Drew Russell slices his way through the field

Novocastrian Motorsport's Drew Russell has driven perfectly to work his
way up from a qualifying position of 25th to finish the round 14th
position outright in this weekend's Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series at
Bathurst.

Drew has also matched his father, Wayne Russell's best V8 Supercar result
at Bathurst by finishing today's second race in 15th place.

The 20 year old, one of the youngest in the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series,
drove well in race one to move up five places to finish in 20th position.

In a round that was plagued by safety car periods, Drew's charge was
hampered somewhat, however he was able to make up a further 5 places in
the second race.

The warm up lap of race two started under grey skies and rain began
falling as the cars reached the top of the mountain. The rain was falling
heavily on the lower section of the track, but the top of the track
remained relatively dry.

With the change in conditions and the field on slick tyres, the stewards
decided that it was unsafe to start the race off a traditional standing
start so the race was started behind the safety car.

The field spent three laps behind the safety car before the race got
underway.

Drew quickly made up 2 places on the first racing lap and after another
two laps, Drew was up to 15th when the safety car was forced out yet
again.

Drew dropped two places on the restart when two of the front running cars
came through.

Yet another safety car period left Drew in 15th place with one flying lap
left.

Drew was able to hold his position, coming home in 15th place and a very
satisfying 14th position outright for the weekend.

"Drew has battled car problems all weekend including a misfire and
reduced horsepower so to finish 14th outright is very impressive," said
team manager Wayne Russell after the race.

"He was able to bring the car home without as much as a scratch on the
car; he has raced cleanly and maturely as he has done all season.

"Drew's outstanding performances this season have not gone unnoticed, we
have been approached by no fewer than three teams with offers for Drew
next year. "

The next and final round of the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series will be held
at Oran Park in December.